When Xue Shaohua learned of this, his heart settled, for in his eyes, there was still room to turn things around. Even if he had to pay a small price to save Yu Sande, this newly advanced Heaven-Tier cultivator, it would not be out of the question.
Thus, he made arrangements on Cloud Summit Peak, spending some time there before returning to the sect to tell Yu Sande the outcome.
Upon hearing the news, Yu Sande said joyfully, "Thank you, Grand Elder Xue. I will remember your help this time until my dying day."
Xue Shaohua waved a hand at his words and said, "Let us put that aside for now. What are your plans from here on?"
Yu Sande asked tentatively, "What advice might you have for me, Grand Elder Xue?"
Xue Shaohua said, "I will tell you frankly: your status is sensitive now. Merely appearing before others could risk exposing you. I fear you will have to endure being kept out of sight for a while."
Hearing this, Yu Sande hesitated. "You mean..."
Xue Shaohua spelled it out. "According to the sect's usual practice, anyone who advances to Heaven Tier should be promoted to Grand Elder. But as matters stand, that can only be postponed."
Displeasure immediately stirred in Yu Sande's heart, but circumstances were stronger than he was. He could only say, "I will abide by your arrangements, Grand Elder Xue."
With that, he was about to take his leave.
But Xue Shaohua stopped him. "Wait, you... there is something I would like to ask you."
Yu Sande turned back in puzzlement and asked, "What else is it, Grand Elder?"
A strange expression appeared on Xue Shaohua's face, seemingly hesitant and tinged with concern. Ultimately, however, he said, "Have you ever heard of the Heaven-Slaying Alliance?"
Yu